East Village Spirituality

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

If you want to know what’s going on in the world, just look at graffiti.

I swear, take a walk through the Lower East Side of New York, and you’ll get a better and more accurate depiction of the issues than even Buzzfeed will report.

And let’s be honest here: I love a good street art display. Banksy has taken the possibilities of a spray can from a crude gang tag, to a high concept art instillation. While all the while remaining anonymous…and dodging the law.

#goals…except the whole breaking the law part lol


But as I was heading out to meet up with my friends this past Friday night, I came across some graffiti that literally made me stop and take a picture.

Because it reflected, what I personally believe, is the most detrimental way of thinking, that frankly is F-ing a lot of things up.

And that, is spiritual relativism.

The graffiti read:


Peace is my religion. My god is love. Tolerance my shield. Acceptance my sword. Hate is my pain. Ignorance my enemy and forgiveness my salvation.

Now, let me just pause. Everything this is saying, is good. We should embrace peace. Love. Acceptance. Forgiveness. Those are good things. Things we should strive for.

But frankly, what makes this so damaging, is that it is taking all the things that Jesus came and died for, and just kind of putting those watered down themes under this blanket of vanilla “spirituality.”

Spirituality nonspecific.

Spiritual neutrality.

Spiritual realitivism.

What are we doing when we take God out of what we believe?

What happens when we accept and embrace some of the teachings, and tie it up in a bow, and forget to say that God was the one who bought the gift?

Because that’s what’s dangerous about this relative way of thinking.

That message this artist tagged, it sounds really good. Really right on. Like, of course. Who in their right mind would argue with that?

Who doesn’t want peace? Or love? Or forgiveness. – Only a bigot would be against that. Only a nincompoop. 

But by being “spiritual” and relative, leaving God out of the equation, what are you actually doing? Really?

Living that way because it makes you feel like a good person? Okay, sure. Yeah, I guess I could get on board with that whole, meditate-for-spirituality-and-center-my-mind thing. Relax for 5 minutes. Focus on being “zen” so that I don’t freak out when there’s a line out the door at Starbucks or I get behind a perpetual slow walker on the sidewalk. #MoveItOrLoseIt,Tourists


But frankly…those reasons, they just fall short.

Because when you take God out of spirituality…it becomes about the self.

It becomes about how it makes me feel. How it can improve my life. How I can grow. I’ll do this to see what I can get.

And that, is the wrong approach.


True spirituality is about God. And honoring what He did. It is a relationship. How I can serve Him? How I can live out His will and spread His love to others? How can I worship Him? Knowing the price He paid for my freedom, how will I respond?

That’s the difference.

That’s where this spiritual relativism does a face plant into a pile of poo.

Or gets hit by a bus, a la, Regina George.

enhanced-buzz-16993-1415805014-8.jpg
Spiritual relativism, it allows what you feel to be true. This is my truth. This is my religion. My salvation. My truth.

It’s that precise thinking that leads to destruction.

I can vouch for that…having lived through a period of anorexia where my body image was my religion.

But hey, it was my truth right?

Wrong.

200-2

 

God reminded me that His truth leads to freedom. To life. To healing.

There was nothing relative about it..

It was absolute.

The East Village, with all its vegan restaurants and hidden alternative music venues, makes you believe you’re taking in air that is progressive. Innovative. On the cutting edge. And graffiti like this just adds to the confusion we’re facing, navigating this life.

It’s a slippery slope, relativism. Because when we take God out of right and wrong, out of our thinking, out of our world view, we’re setting ourselves up to fail. We’re inviting vulnerability. We’re opening morality up for interpretation.

So what are we going to do about it?

Maybe I don’t have a spray can, or the balls to break the law with my spectacular tagging skills, but I do have a voice. I do have the way I live my life. The words I speak. The way I treat other people.

And so do you.


Faith doesn’t have to be tagged on the side of an East Village bakery-by-day-speakeasy-by-night building. It’s tagged in our hearts. And maybe, just maybe, if we all let that show, we can stop the slippery slope. We can keep God from getting “relative-ized”out of the picture.

Because keeping God in spirituality doesn’t make us close-minded, backward thinking cotton headed ninny muggins.

It makes us children of God.

And that’s a tag I’m okay with.

 

 

 

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

372 thoughts on “East Village Spirituality”

  5. I love this!! I was always aware of this but never could figure out what it was called or why it was wrong – but you cleared it up for me! Every good thing cometh from God ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  7. You have this amazing and empowering way of writing about this deep issues that strike directly at the heart of the matter. It is a true gift! I am so grateful that you are writing about these things, because I agree with you that this sort of spiritual relativism is a societal sickness. Most of my friends probably subscribe to some version of this watered down, vanilla spirituality. They believe in a domesticated Jesus. I lack the eloquence to describe how utterly wrong they are while inspiring them to seek the way, the truth, and the life. The true LIFE. The only source of that life is Christ. I have come across some depressing statistics that adults in the industrialized world are the most overweight, addicted, and mentally ill cohort *ever.* It makes me so sad to not have the words to be able to spread the Gospel, but you, my dear, you have the words! What a blessing! What a grace! I can only pray that I can continue on this path of recovery and metanoia, and perhaps I can learn to just be still and let God be God. Thank you so much!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Hey lulu! Oh my gosh you are so kind to say that. Thank you. You’re so right-a societal sickness indeed. Vanilla spirituality-that definitely rings true! Amen to that-He is the source of life! And abundant life at that! I definitely need to work on being still! Sending big big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  10. “Because keeping God in spirituality doesn’t make us close-minded, backward thinking cotton headed ninny muggins.

    It makes us children of God.”

    Thank you for saying this!

    This post reminded me of some celebrities who say that they don’t believe in God, but they consider themselves spiritual. I’m still not sure what that means. How can you be spiritual without God? *completely baffled emoji*

    May God bless you always. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  17. God / The Creator connects us all by negatively viewing others we cast these views on ourselfs. We are just a meer figment of his/her imagination how else would gods words/ thoughts bring us into being.
    From a spiritual, religious, scientific explanation all that remains is more unanswered questions especially when we get to the point of quantum physics our philosophy’s and beliefs are blown out of the water. I have yet to find a hole in my theory we are a simulation in the mind of the creator he thought us into being.
    He created the heavens and he created the Earth the bibles all tell us this we just choose not to listen. The word of God is inside us all it was through meditation and through my quest to astral project further out than any one has previously dared to go that made me realise all this.
    The truth literally sets you free and allows you to love your fellow man religion is a control method spirituality gets closer to the truth ang quantum physics smacks us in the face that modern science and beliefs are fundamentally wrong on a massive scale.
    Something to think about live respect and peace Ben xx

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Hi Ben, thank you for your perspective. I can definitely appreciate that there are things that I will never understand — unanswered questions. That’s where faith comes in. Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you taking the time to read. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Thanks for a great commentary! Humanists, atheists, liberals, etc. so often use phrases that make you look like a moron if you dare to disagree. We can’t be intimidated, but lovingly show them where Peace and so on originate.

    I was so pleasantly surprised to see your article right after posting this evening. It’s not about just caring, but caring about the right things in the right way.

    As always, you’re a comforting read!

    Liked by 3 people

  20. Right on time–that’s exactly what this post was. Boy do I have some more thinking to do. Thank you for sharing. I love when blogs make me feel something, and you always do! ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

  21. I love your boldness! So many people want to believe that “goodness” is all it takes to make this world better. They don’t want to speak the truth that we can never be “good enough” or acknowledge that God already made a way. We just have to believe and accept the gift He already gave us through Jesus.
    Thank you for speaking the truth!

    Liked by 5 people

  22. My first reaction was #sorrynotsorry 😉

    The next is infinitely more difficult. I fully get this (I think) and believe that God is love, and without His sacrificing Himself for us we would not know Him. I’m still in the process of finding Him, in what I’ve called for too many years my Jacob time. I believe….and….

    The challenge is (as part of my struggle now) in defining God. Even as a professing Christian, I would have to say that the god that the haters at westboro believe in is not my God. And (allegedly at least) we are turning to the same source of wisdom (the Bible). But I read it, I understand it, I experience revelation so differently from them! And they aren’t the only example, just the most extreme. Even in my own church, I look at the intense focus on homosexuality and abortion and don’t understand why these sins are the focus and so in the cross hairs, instead of other sins or instead of focusing on the good we are to do.

    Yes, what the artist posted was human-centric attitude (albeit a better one than some espouse!), not a God-focused faith. And we can’t eliminate God from the equation. But isn’t that the first stage of faith, to believe in God? He is not provable by a finite mind. You believe because His Spirit moves you to, not because of anything we do lest any may boast. And maybe the artists attitude at least moves him to open up to hearing and experiencing that Spirit.

    Quite a challenging post for me :/ But thank you for putting it up and for putting up with my response 🙂

    And….great picture too 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for this reflection, Jeff. Those are definitely some powerful things to think about. You’re right- we can’t eliminate God from the equation. Hanks again for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  23. Insightful! You uncovered the spiritual emptiness of our culture. Little wonder that Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life is second only to the Bible in sales. Experiencing the vacuum in our souls, humankind constantly seeks answers that are rock solid as opposed to quick sand. Keep up the creative work!!!!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

  24. I just listened to an Alistair Begg sermon for the 10th time called No Place for Truth and he said we can do one of three things as Christians, we can Admonish (rail against), Accommodate (soften the message of sin and promote ourselves), which are both unacceptable, or thirdly Proclamation, tell the gospel always careful with our tone. You are doing this well. Thank you and thanks the the encouraging and truthful words.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. I have some friends who subscribe to this view. I pray for them often and only hope that God is working on their hearts. The temptation to create our own God is so tempting, yet when we get even the smallest taste of the true God we can see how empty our old ways are. Always a pleasure enjoying your blog.

    Liked by 3 people

  28. Well done 👏 I couldn’t agree with you more. I see this all over my urban college campus, and it really does worry me. People either think Jesus isn’t necessary or is whatever they want Him to be. Not that I am perfect, but I am learning my abiding in Him and reading the Word. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Emily! So glad this resonated with you. Yeah, I totally feel you. I am on a journey as well – learning to trust, learning to give things to Him, learning to be patient. I have a long way to go! haha one day at a time! hugs and love xox

      Like

  33. Well that post was very heart felt. Though I have to disagree with some points starting with spirituality is not religion. It may a gate way to spirituality. You can have spirituality without god. For in the bible it said morality came from food not god. God is supplementary to humanity. Otherwise we have people claiming kills in the name of god doing gods will in his behalf. It would be chaos. The content of that graphitti quote you gave is still there does it make it any less because it’s not empowered by an Almighty God. That it doesn’t justify your agenda that there is a god? Don’t get me wrong I’m Agnostic and leave room for the possibility of god but my interpretation is that God is a lion and I run with him as a vehicle but I don’t trust him with the steaks I’m leaving on the kitchen table before I get home. Or trust him completely to not bite my head off because he doesn’t know his own strength. God Is good but the people who follow him through idols and human interpretation may not be so good. I do not trust anyone religious or not with a knife behind me no matter how talented or for them to be pure saints abstaining from porn and sex. I have faith don’t get me wrong but I trust the heart of man not his evil nature. Vanilla spirituality I have no problem with they are constructive warm and mean well. They are least obstructive in society than religion where as the idea of god and no god is more abrupt and too complex. It’s not looking out for everyone’s interests is all.. only that of the certain persons agenda. Im just saying your going to share the world. Any ideas on the
    extreme end of the spectrum will mostly cause more confusion and separation when we need ideas that bring people of all ideas together. For I don’t believe in the authority of god through man because it makes no sense. Religious facility idols and images are all a sign that we are breaking the very law that is don’t follow false idols. Christ in this world would not be pleased with what the world has done making him a vehicle for this religion that is christianity. HE was a prophet a messengr with a message. History has warped his image through history and drawing him as such and such. He would not even recognize himself if he time traveled here right now. Not even his name is spelt right.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi friend, thank you for your perspective. I always appreciate a healthy dialogue on BBB. I agree that blanket spirituality means well. But I am firm believer in God. I absolutely respect your beliefs and appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. I hope you stop by again! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you for expressing your world view as well. I echo what BBB said. I myself am a believer in Yeshua whom has indeed helped me though a season of darkness. I no longer self injure thanks to a supportive family, getting insight from others outside of the WWW and taking constructive insight from those that were along side me fighting for my freedom from the bondage of cutting. All that aside, did you know God sings over you? Did you know that He knew you from the foundation of the world? His gentleness and yet fierceness is something I want others to get to know as well. But free will is a wonderful thing isn’t it? Be blessed.

      Liked by 2 people

      3. The Lord your God in your midst,
        The Mighty One, will save;
        He will rejoice over you with gladness,
        He will quiet you with His love,
        He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 that’s probably why 😉

        Liked by 2 people

      8. I see. If there is a function and necessity for a being to be there to heal such wounds — let there be a way. There is no reason to not ask for help if you really need it. Some times I feel when I try to have this world view and include the whole world in my perspective, my light gets dimmer. The weight of the world shouldn’t be on anyone’s shoulders, but i feel carrying more weight gives me a bigger grander perspective of life.. at the cost not praising god for all my blessings and being grateful for them. I’m second guess myself about what god has to offer. I am truly grateful for everything he’s done.. maybe i just cloak it so i can work behind the scenes with people who hate and don’t believe in him.

        I’m humble and not power hungry either way.. being agnostic gives me a stance that doesn’t force me to take sides making me argue a point that in no way you can win about his existence. You also say he sings? I thought his angels do that for him.. My idea of him must be foreign to you but i think he lives in all things and manners of good.. but he must also exist in some form of chaos/evils too. He expresses jealousy and wrath and all these human emotions. And that brings in the idea is he really perfect? the idea and philosophy of perfection — can only be an idealism. Nothing more.. As the state of the world and humans are not perfect.. I won’t be led to believe he is a perfect being either. Maybe perfect for the situation and scenario that is life.. in that sense he is perfect but not in function.

        Oh and sorry about not using proper paragraphs before.. I was on my phone. It’s hard to type responses and I don’t even use punctuation when I use the phone to type out my thoughts.

        Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome and I doubt you have read much of my posts but I am in a real bad spot. This is my safe haven until I started getting stalked. By the people putting me in a bad place.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thank you. Oddly enough the more training I do the worse I am. It is unusual as I normally get more fit and this year I am falling apart.

        Liked by 1 person

      9. I have so much happening it is too much to write. I do thank you so much for being a friend here. I may be on borrowed time.

        Liked by 1 person

      13. My next things include various surgeries, procedures and possible cancer treatment that I might decide against

        Liked by 1 person

  36. So many people preach the “self” gospel and their “interpretation” of it! This post is wonderful! Definitely going to share with my girls in our book club! Thank you for your wonderful writing!

    Liked by 2 people

  37. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing. A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace. – Ecclesiates 3:1-8

    This passage teaches us even more how incorrect that graffiti is. The times are appointed by God. The denial of His hand in these times is the denial of God Himself, which I think was your point, B’s. More so:

    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10

    Understanding and humbling ourselves before a holy God gives us the wisdom we need for those events where we, individually, plant or uproot, war or make peace, mourn or dance, etcetera. The rest of the world just wants peace without understand that actual peace requires God (which is not the peace they want).

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Be thankful and praise Him (as I know you do) that He has gifted you with eyes to see what was missing in that so-called art – His beloved Son.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Nathan, wow what a beautiful reflection. Thank you so much. and thank you for passing along those great verses! so. much. truth. God does have a hand in everything we do – we just have to trust. Sending bug hugs and love xox

      Like

  38. It’s not just the city. There are tons of shops all over here that go out of business and bought out and nothing is done with the property and there is graffiti galore

    Liked by 2 people

    1. oh gosh, yeah it would definitely be hard to be a shop owner in today’s day and age. Thanks for stopping by and for the reblog! Hope everything is well with you! I’ve been thinking about you and your situation and keeping you in my prayers! hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Dear BBB, This was a very lovely post. But to be very honest, I was expecting something, no matter how little, about the recent race crimes that have been occurring. I believe that with a platform like this, you have been given a divine opportunity to in your own little way talk about the evil in our world.

    I really like the work that you’re doing, and I understand that most of your audience may be mostly white, but I think that it’s important to note these things, especially if we’re going to talk about God and spirituality and relativism.

    Don’t be relative or lukewarm to the injustice in the world, but take a stand. Just like we shouldn’t be relative with spiritual and christian matters.

    God Bless.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Alheri, thank you for this response. You’re right, I have been praying about how to write about this very serious and very important topic. Because you’re right – it deserves to be discussed. I take it very seriously, and I want to write something that gives justice to the gravity of the situation and state of things. I appreciate your feedback so much. You’re so right – I can’t be relative when it comes to big issues either. Great point. Big hugs and love to you friend xox

      Liked by 1 person

  42. Awesome post! You hit the nail on the head and got right to the heart of the matter. Love it! I love reading post from other Christians who promote the truth of God’s Word. Keep writing truth and glorifying God’s name.

    Liked by 2 people

  43. Fantastic post, BBB. I want to share this when I get a chance to spend more than a minute on my blog. Just excellent.

    This priest from Michigan gives these talks and they air on the radio sometimes. Well anyway I heard one and tracked it down and it reminds me a lot of this post. It’s a little long so if you don’t want to listen, it won’t hurt my feelings, but I sense you’d get a lot out of it like I did.
    [audio src="http://old.avemariaradio.net/archive2/2016/07/cia_20160705.mp3" /]

    Liked by 2 people

      3. You know him?? I just found him but I can’t get enough of his talks! He’s a fellow Michigan alumnus and he’s the pastor of a parish probably 10 minutes from Michigan, but I never took the chance to meet him. How did you hear of him?

        Liked by 1 person

      13. Okay… couple things… (1) I think i’ve seen him on YouTube before based on his picture and his voice, so I searched him on YouTube and I’m 99% sure I have. But (2) this, by chance, isn’t about you, is it (not the Bruce Jenner part)?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-9_rxXFu9I

        (3) Yes, this is very good too. I like priests/Catholics who tell the truth and don’t dance around it. All these men seem to do that!

        Liked by 1 person

      14. He’s awesome. I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting him! I highly recommend his podcasts. And no, that’s not about me. But the message is spot on! He definitely domes dance around the truth! He tells it like it is!

        Like

  44. As always, so well-said, and so relevant, with all the pseudo-spirituality being trumpeted today, totally devoid of the life-giving power of the indwelling Christ.
    You nailed it on the head. Great job.
    But I thought this statement was totally uncalled for, untrue in all it implied, and grossly generalized, unbecoming of this great blog-
    “Who doesn’t want peace? Or love? Or forgiveness. – Only a bigot would be against that. Only a nincompoop. Only a Trump supporter. (#SorryCouldn’tResist)”
    Though not a Trump supporter myself (though I cannot bring myself to vote for the criminal alternative), I know many who are, and they most certainly are NOT bigots and nincompoops, who don’t want peace, love or forgiveness. Many out here in middle class America are just tired of the politics as usual, from both sides of the aisle, with the lies, power plays, dishonesty, and arrogance that the rule of law does not apply to them. Trump may not be ideal, but he is in tune with the frustrations of many middle class Americans. To lump his supporters all together as bigots and buffoons, as you did, is inexcusable and immature. So knock it off.
    Do what you do best- speak to the heart, from your heart, about the heart of the Father.
    Blessings,
    Rob

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Rob, thank you for this feedback. I’m so glad you brought that up, because that was not my intent AT ALL for that statement!! It was sarcasm! I try and bring some humor into my posts, and one way I do that is through sarcasm. I do not, in any way, shape, or form, believe that people who support Trump are bigots or backwards thinkers. That was 100000% sarcasm. That’s the danger with writing, is that you can’t hear tone of voice. I am so sorry that you thought I was being insensitive. That was never, ever, ever my intent. Know that this, as with all my words, is from the heart. Thanks for this, and I hope you stop by again!! Sending big big hugs and love xox

      Like

  45. And it’s a tag I can’t live without! The truth of Jesus is the only one that matters. May our lives testify of this that many will see and believe and put their trust in The Lord (Psalm 40:3b)

    Liked by 2 people

  46. You couldnt say it any better!! I loved reading your perspective and im totally agree with this… I am a child of God and nothing makes me prouder than this.. unfortunately i do think most of the people today leave God out of the equation because they think it is uncool or silly to talk about Him. It is so sad, cause as you said.. that is just focusing on a self culture, just taking what makes us feel good with ourselves!! Thanks for sharing this i hope everyone read it!!!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. I liked the content as well, by the way; an additional thought to the relativism is that it leads quite quickly (once God is removed) to humanism, which then – as you mentioned – becomes the accepted religion. When acceptance is about people, rather than God, many things ungodly will be accepted and the moral lines digress. While we have a shadow of kindness the thought itself becomes detrimental to society because of the greater and greater compromise.

        Humanism seems like a fine thing from the secular perspective, but the basis that’s neglected is the first and greatest commandment. The second is second, and must remain so if it is to retain its power… (Matt 22:37-39)

        (I’m glad to hear you actually did change it up, I was concerned for a moment you duped us by playing the same face side with a mirror or something :))

        Liked by 1 person

      2. This is so great. You’re absolutely right- it neglects the first commandment. Ive never thought about it that way but it’s so true! Hope you’re having a great night! Hugs and love xox

        Like

  50. My goodness. Thank-you again for walking backwards on the one-way streets of this culture we live in – so many other people (and I don’t doubt many professed Christians) would’ve taken that message and run with it. And it’s been such a pushed message recently; you’re a breath of fresh air! (:

    Happy Thursday (:

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